Printing with Sponges

Kids will enjoy experimenting with the materials. Expect lots of squeezing, scrubbing, and slopping along with the painting.

 

Objectives

Children ages 3-4 years will be able to identify objects and prints as lighter as or darker than
and they will be able to use shape, color, and texture to describe an object Cog. I
All children will understand the painting process.

 
 
 

Materials

Paints in shallow containers; scissors; sponges pre-cut into shapes; paper

 

Procedures

1. Seat children around a table and give each a piece of paper.

2. Demonstrate the process of soaking the sponge in paint and pressing it several times on the paper. Call attention to the fading quality of successive prints. Emphasize the pressing and lifting motions needed to get clear prints (as opposed to brush strokes or scrubbing).

3. Let each child choose a sponge to print with. As children work, talk with them about the colors and shapes they are using.

Variation
 
On small blocks of wood, children can glue felt pieces to create their own stamps -- e.g., evergreen tree, human figure, eyes & triangle nose & smile.